The Christmas season in the Philippines is probably celebrated with much more gusto than in any other country. It begins in the early morning of December 16 with a Mass at 5 a.m., which is called Misa de Gallo, and the celebration continues until the Feast of the Three Kings, which used to fall on January 6 but was changed to the first Sunday of the New Year.
During this festive season, the head of the family usually worries about the gifts for immediate members of his family as well as close relatives and godchildren, as he wishes to make them happy. Nevertheless, during Christmas, the giver actually receives more pleasure than the receiver.
At this time of the year, the family head also realizes his important role in ensuring the welfare of his loved ones especially if he is the principal earner. The more should he then appreciate the value of life insurance in case something unexpected happens to him and he is no longer around, especially at Christmas time. The premiums that he spends to keep his policy in force represent unselfishness as he sets aside a part of his income to ensure a safer tomorrow for his family. Thus, life insurance has a special meaning of love and concern.
There are a number of ways where life insurance can be used to add more meaning to Christmas. Life insurance is the answer for a father who wants to make certain that his family can always afford to celebrate Christmas. The proceeds of a life insurance policy can be so arranged that a certain percentage may be given to the widow every year around Christmas time so that the father continues to be a part of his family’s celebration even though he may no longer be around.
Another noble way to celebrate Christmas is to purchase a policy designating specified charitable institutions as beneficiaries in case of one’s demise.
Still another gift suggestion for ninongs and ninangs, uncles and aunts, as well as grandparents is to purchase insurance on a child’s life. This is a gift that grows. In the years to come, the insurance proceeds can help finance the child’s college education or may be used to get the young person started in business. It can also become the basis of a personal life insurance program when the child reaches adulthood.
Another gift suggestion is for the ninong or ninang to purchase insurance on a godchild’s life and assume the annual premium payments. This gift can help finance a college education in the future.
And now, a word on the professional life insurance agent or broker whose job is to spread the gospel of life insurance. Theirs is not an easy job for they have to encourage people to act for the future by setting aside premium payments to protect their dependents. Too often, the agent or broker is misunderstood and the resistance they meet in their calls on prospects can be enough to break their will. But they keep on plodding and eventually make a sale. But the true value of their sale is that it is an expression of love on the part of the policyholder who will only appreciate the wisdom of his purchase when, in the later years, he will not be able to buy additional insurance even if he wants to, either because of declining health or the increased cost due to advancing age.
The author is a risk management consultant and Editor of Insurance Philippines magazine.